Research in Presidential Libraries: A User Survey

Abstract

Improved information about actual users is a key element in developing user-responsive archival administration. The findings of a 1984 survey of researchers in four presidential libraries are summarized. Rather than compare libraries, the study identified patterns of behavior within groups of researchers. The questionnaire collected information well beyond what is available on standard registration forms and linked researchers with the basic elements of reference service: preliminary correspondence, orientation interviews, and direct reference room assistance. The findings emphasize the academic affiliation (faculty, students) of over three-quarters of respondents and the predominance of traditional political and diplomatic topics of study. Researchers generally have made some advance preparation and have had previous research experience. These factors have a strong bearing on whether they adjusted their preferred and actual research styles in the course of a visit. High researcher satisfaction ultimately has more to do with whether they located useful archival materials than with the quality of particular reference services.

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